Hawai'i Big Island: Environmental Conservation, Cultural Preservation & Snorkeling

Hi, I was 16 when I did this trip and it has stuck with me for over a year now. Every waking minute I go through my head about the best 11 days of my life. Being so young there were some fears that I knew would occur but the people and place made it all more bearable. 11 days was too short. I wanted to stay with my lifelong friends and explore more of the beautiful island with the beautiful people of the big island. This one trip sparked a lifelong dream of travel. I will be traveling to Thailand and Laos this coming summer with Give Again and this time ill be traveling with my brother. All thanks to this one trip my life is changed for the better and forever.

GIVE gave me such an unforgettable experience that I will always cherish. I went on the Hawai’i trip and I can’t explain how lucky I was to be able to experience the beautiful culture there as well as make life long friends. Not only did I learn how important it is to travel sustainably, but l also learned the importance of preserving Hawaiian culture. Getting to hear the amazing stories and experiences from the local natives brought so much more meaning to the projects we were working on. Getting to go through this journey with such amazing, like-minded people really made this trip so memorable. Honestly this was the best decision ever and I can’t wait to go on my next GIVE trip!

Volunteering with @givevolunteers surpassed all my expectations, and each project instilled in me a sense of responsibility toward conservation efforts, sustainable practices, and preserving ancestral knowledge. My experience was incredibly transformative, and I truly felt that every step left a positive mark and introduced me to some of the most special souls on earth🤍 I have so many new friends that bring out my inner child and we have already begun planning future trips.

Above all else, the people of Hawai’i have left an indelible mark on me. Their hospitality, resilience, and commitment to their heritage amidst modern challenges is truly inspiring. When you book that trip, be mindful!! Support locals, think about the amount of waste you’re producing, and find ways to give back/honor the awe-inspiring landscapes you’re spending time in. Mahalo Hawai’i & my new GIVE family for these memories I will cherish for a lifetime! 🫶🏼🌺

This trip was truly one of the best experiences of my life. It allowed me to learn so much about the culture of hawaii and gain a new perspective of tourism. I got to learn how to be global citizen with 21 other young adults who were very much like me.The people I met along the way each impacted me in a different way that was amazing. I think everyone should take a trip like this and GIVE is such a good place to do it through. The guides that led us through the native parts of hawaii were incredible and never failed to teach us new things and make it a fun time as well. I am already looking into doing another trip and I strongly encourage you to go on one as well!

My GIVE trip to Hawai’i was unforgettable. I loved getting to meet new and like-minded people who have the same interests as me. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to volunteer with local nonprofit organizations while also getting to experience a new culture. I am thankful for the opportunity I got to learn about the unique Hawaiian agriculture while also being able to help out at local nonprofit farms. The GIVE guides made sure everyone had what they needed and let us all know what to do to make sure we acted in a respectful manner when introduced to different cultural experiences. 💚

Originally, I thought it would be just a scuba diving trip. However, I discovered a very committed travel agency that prioritized our well-being, safety, and health throughout the experience. They ensured we learned about the local culture, environment, oceans, and coral reefs.

Their island partners were fantastic as well. We learned a lot every day with Kohala Divers.

I highly recommend this program for anyone looking to step outside their comfort zone and challenge themselves. It will add so much to your life experience.

This trip has taught me so much about life, it has introduced me to a new way of life that seemed unattainable for me. You are immersed in a beautiful community and culture. The projects were not easy, at times they were a bit challenging but they always felt meaningful and were fun. The guides were incredible and made every moment fun, they never offered any judgement towards any questions asked and they always made sure everyone was taken care of. Every project brought something new, whether it be learning about a new plant or farming style or about what this project means to their community and the history behind the places we enter.

I had always wanted to be able to travel and help people at the same time. Volunteering with Give allowed me to do exactly that !! I met so many like minded people, and got to participate in many hands on projects which is exactly what I was looking for. It may seem too good to be true looking from the outside in, but I can 100% say that my travel experience with Give was amazing, beyond words can describe !! I have friendships, memories, and new knowledge and skills that will last a lifetime !!